Lady Blue: Children of the Goddess, #1

By Prudence MacLeod

In service to an ancient goddess, she hunts the mean streets, tha dark places where no one should go.  Striking from the shadows she defends the weak, the tormented, then vanishes into the night.  She is Lady Blue; best not to make her angry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prudence MacLeod
• Release date: Jan 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9781927478424

Prudence MacLeod

On a far off windswept island Jennifer Crandall sits with her dogs and cats creating fantastic stories for all to enjoy.  She publishes as JL Crandall, Prudence MacLeod, and Jenni Leigh.

Book preview

A Cry for Help

Penny Preston’s life was not one you might envy. Unwanted and abandoned by her father, emotionally abused by her alcoholic mother, barely tolerated by a series of her mother’s boyfriends, Penny nonetheless managed to survive into high school. At just sixteen years of age, fifty pounds overweight with a bad complexion, and poor clothing, Penny had been dubbed Pee-Pee by her school mates.

The emotional abuse she suffered at home was nothing to what her peers put her through each and every day at school. Penny’s blessing, and her curse, was her grades, which had earned a special scholarship to an upscale private school for her. Penny Preston was smart, way too smart to fit in with those she desperately wanted to fit in with.

Her grades and her love of history had, however, managed to win her a spot on the overseas class trip. Penny’s mother certainly could not have afforded to send her, but her lifetime straight A average caused a local business to sponsor her.

This too had been a blessing and a curse. Penny had a mad crush on Brad Thatcher, the school super athlete, and everybody knew it. The blessing for Penny was that Brad was on the trip too. The curse was that she was the only poor kid there, and thus she had been singled out for still more abuse by her peers.

The trip had gone from bad to worse for Penny, and eventually it brought her to a sorry pass. She lay sobbing her heart out at the bottom of a mud slide, somewhere in the far reaches of the Scottish Highlands, a slide that she could not climb back up.

How had she come to be there? It’s not so hard to guess really. She’d been mooning over Brad Thatcher and not watching her footing. One of the other girls tripped her, and she fell down a steep hill. The other girl had not even bothered to see how far she had fallen.

As Penny fell, she grabbed at the turf, but it gave way and turned into a fair landslide, eventually depositing her unconscious body beside a great slab of freshly uncovered stone. She was not missed until after the group reached the hotel later that evening.

The others were long gone and it was dark when Penny regained consciousness with a pounding headache. She tried to climb back up to the foot path, but her leg was hurt, and the fresh mud kept slipping away from her feet. Penny called and called, but no one answered. She was thousands of miles from home, lost, hurt, terrified, cold, and miserable. She lay her bruised cheek against the hard stone slab and let a long incomprehensible wail of heartbreaking anguish escape her battered lips.

Mooorrrraaaaaagggggghhhhhhhaaaaaa...

By some strange inexplicable quirk of fate, Penny’s wail awakened something that had slept for long ages. She was startled out of her misery by the sense of a vast presence near her. Penny stopped crying and shrank away from the stone as that unknown presence probed at her mind.

There was a clear demanding question, but Penny couldn’t understand the language. Suddenly the presence vanished as quickly as it had arrived, leaving Penny alone with her misery, and feeling strangely empty inside. A few moments later the presence returned, and the sorrow it carried was so great, even Penny could not grasp the measure of it.

Again the presence invaded Penny’s mind, probing, searching, demanding, until it seemed satisfied, and sadly withdrew from her. You are not of the bloodline, sighed a voice in her mind. "Why did you awaken me to such a world, to such a fate?"

I... I didn’t. At least I didn’t mean to. Who are you? What are you? What is the bloodline? How did I awaken you?

Easy child, slowly now. There was a trace of amusement in that soft sighing voice, and the well of sorrow seemed to pull back a bit. "I am Moragah. Long ages past my people dwelt here in this place. That stone against which you rest, was an altar they built to me. Long did we dwell together in harmony and peace, but eventually others came and brought their wars with them.

"The people of the bloodline were too few, and, even with my help, they were still driven from these lands, scattered to the four winds, where they turned to other gods, other ways. My altar was cast down, buried, and so I slept, awaiting the return of even a single member of the true bloodline.

As you touched the stone and called to me, I awakened, rejoicing. The folk had returned and rebuilt the ancient altar. I arose from the long sleep and came to you, but the altar is still broken, and you are not of the bloodline, so I sought them elsewhere. Alas, they are all gone.

The well of sorrow returned and threatened to swallow Penny whole. She lost all awareness of her own misery, as an up-swell of compassion for this bereft being filled her soul. What happened to them? she asked.

They all died out, child, hundreds of generations ago it must have been. There is not a single trace of them anywhere in the whole wide world. Ah, to awaken to such news; better I had slept forever. At least there I still have them in my dreams. Penny didn’t respond, she just quietly wished the being was solid, so she could give it a hug.

A soft chuckle escaped the presence and the sorrow pulled back again. Yes child, a hug is exactly what we both need right now. Tell me, how did you manage to awaken me?

I don’t know. I didn’t mean to. I just leaned on this rock and cried.

That wail of sorrow from your lips was close enough to the sound of my name to call me forth, chuckled the voice. Add to that the fact that you were touching the sacred spiral on the altar stone, and it was enough.

What will you do now? Penny asked.

What can I do? I am a goddess without a people to serve, or to serve her. They are gone, and even I cannot call them back. I am alone now. Perhaps, if I am lucky, I will be able to regain the long sleep, and rest forever.

You mean die? You can’t do that. You’re a god for crying out loud. Up until this moment I wasn’t sure that such a thing even existed.

Truly? Is your own god no help to you, Penny Preston?

Look at me, for pity’s sake. Look at the mess I’m in. What do you think?

Again there was that rich chuckle in her mind. A fine pair we are, Penny Preston. A goddess without a priestess, and a human without a god. Perhaps there was a purpose to my awakening at that.

What do you mean? Penny sounded a bit suspicious.

I propose that we join forces, Penny. We each seem to have what the other needs.

Wait a minute now. Penny pressed herself tightly against the huge altar stone. You said priestess. I’m won’t have to run around naked, chanting under the full moon will I? I don’t want to end up in a rubber room.

Penny, there is much I need to know about the world as it is today. May I explore your memories?

Will it hurt?

No, I swear it will not hurt.

Well, okay, I guess... The words were barely past her lips when every thought, every memory she had was suddenly invaded, explored, then released. For just a moment Penny Preston had merged thoughts with a goddess, and she was changed forever. As Moragah withdrew from Penny she left her a small gift; something Penny had not known before in her short lifetime; a true sense of self-worth. Wow, she breathed, as she sensed herself alone in her own body again.

"I believe that, for this world, I will need a new kind of ritual for you to practice."

What do you mean?

The old rituals are gone, Penny, vanished along with the people I designed them for. I will ask three things of you, Penny Preston, and I will return the favor to you.

What are the three things?

The priestesses of old were warrior women, Penny, defenders of the weak. I will ask the same of you, but I will also give you the tools to accomplish the task. The priestesses of old honored me each day, and I will ask the same of you, but I will grant you the choice of how that is to be done.

Okay, so far so good. Now what is the third thing?

Each of the chosen women was possessed of my spirit. I was always with them, sharing their thoughts, sharing their experiences. I was their goddess of protection, and of wisdom. I gave them the power to protect themselves, as well as others, and I shared what wisdom I could with them. It would be the same for you, Penny.

Can you show me what that would be like?

It would be just as it is at this moment. We are now sharing thoughts and experiences. It would be as it is now. So, are you up for an adventure into the unknown with me?

As weird as this all is, I’m ready, sighed Penny. "You’re the first I’ve ever known to speak to me with genuine respect, and you’re the first I’ve found who is more alone than I am. I just hope I’m not dreaming this.

Tell me, what did you mean, the tools for the task?

They are already in your mind, Penny. They come from your own mythology about the world you live in; Cat Woman, Spiderman, Rogue, feral mutants, Storm, Buffy the Slayer, they all have the tools for their tasks, and so shall you.

So you’re going to give me super power? I’ll be like Buffy?

Something like that, yes. You shall have many abilities that you do not now possess.

Okay, I’m game. What do I do now?

Take a deep breath and release yourself completely to me. Penny did as she was bid, then a soul wrenching tormented scream was torn from her lips, as every cell in her body seemed to burst into flame. It was over in a heartbeat, but it left her gasping for breath.

Dear god that hurt. Why didn’t you warn me?

Please forgive me, dear priestess. I guess I’m a bit rusty. In the old days a girl knew what she was in for, and she was ready. I will try to be more careful in future.

Right, well, right now we have another problem.

Which is?

I’m stuck down here. If you don’t want your new priestess to die of exposure, you’d better do something about it.

And so to work, chuckled Moragah. Rest now my daughter, while I arrange our escape.

Moragah, what tools did you give me? asked Penny, as she settled down against the huge altar stone.

I gave you the skills of old, came the soft reply. And a few I chose from some of your own heroes. It will be your task, in the upcoming days, to discover them for yourself. However, you already had the greatest gift of all.

I did? What was that?

Your natural intelligence, Penny. It is a priceless gift. Penny felt the presence of Moragah withdraw slightly from her then, and she huddled against the stone, trying to commit the symbol carved thereon to memory. Fatigue claimed her and she slipped into a deep and restful sleep. The next sound she heard was someone calling her name.

Changed

I ’m down here. Swiftly , Penny struggled to her feet and began waving her arms over her head. She was so cold she was shaking.

We’ll have to go for ropes, called a voice from above. Just hang on a wee bit longer.

As the voices faded away, Penny turned to the great altar stone. She could see the sun beginning to rise behind it, and she smiled softly. Putting her palms together she faced the rising sun and mentally drew the symbol from the stone before her in the air. Good morning, Moragah, my Lady Goddess. Thank you for the night’s rest and the rescue. Feeling a bit silly, she turned away and sighed. I hope that was Ok.

It was delightful, Penny, the soft voice came from the edges of her awareness.

So you are real after all.

Did you doubt me, Penny Preston? asked that rich voice in her mind, as the vast presence of Moragah suddenly engulfed her again, driving the cold from her bones.

I was afraid I had dreamed you.

It was no dream, child, I am real and I am with you always.

How did they do it before?

The morning greeting?

Yes.

They stood facing the sun, much as you did, held their arms high overhead, drew the sacred symbol in the air, and called a greeting. You were surprisingly close, Penny. I am well pleased.

Hey, my leg has healed. I thought that would take weeks. Is that one of the gifts you gave me?

It is. You might call it a mutant healing power. All your wounds will heal quickly now.

We’re coming down, Penny; just hang on a wee bit longer, the voice came floating on the air from above, and echoed in the distance.

Thank you, Moragah, breathed Penny, as she turned and waved at the rescuers.

You are most welcome, my daughter. The voice faded to a whisper as the presence seemed to withdraw from her.

The men with rope arrived and strapped Penny onto a backboard. She was carefully pulled up the steep incline to the top of the hill where her classmates and chaperone were anxiously waiting.

Penny, are you all right? asked Mr. Harmon, her history teacher and the official chaperone for the trip.

Sure, Mr. Harmon, I’m just fine, Penny allowed a touch of sarcasm in her voice, as she was released from the backboard.

How did you end up down there anyway, child? What the hell were you thinking?

Good god, Pee Pee, you smell worse than you look, exclaimed Crystal, the girl who’d tipped Penny over the edge in the first place.

I fell down the cliff and spent the night in the muck and my own blood, Penny replied in a soft dangerous voice, as her eyes bored into Crystal’s. I’m on my period too. I had no way to change my tampon, so I’ve bled through all my clothes. You try that and see how sweet you smell in the morning.

That tone isn’t necessary, Miss Preston, Mr. Harmon’s voice was stern as he rebuked Penny. Crystal was definitely his favorite, and he let that show far too often.

What was I thinking? asked Penny, as she turned those burning eyes on her history teacher, causing him to flinch. You’re the one who left me here all night. What the hell were you thinking?

Listen here, young lady, I will not be spoken to that way. You just watch your attitude.

The girl’s right, said a small woman who was part of the search team, as she inserted herself between them. These folk are your responsibility. You left her behind and didn’t even call us until this morning. Come along, Penny, I’ll take you to the infirmary where you can get cleaned up, and the doctor can look you over. I’ll swing by the hotel for some of your clothes while all that is going on. She took Penny’s arm and led her toward a car.

Thanks, I’d really appreciate that. Thanks for standing up for me too.

Don’t mention it girl. You’ve had a hard run, and don’t need that daft fool blaming you for his negligence. My name’s Meghan, but folk call me Meg.

She wrapped a blanket around Penny then settled her in the car before speeding away toward the small town in the distance, chatting endlessly the whole time. True to her word, while Penny was washing away her troubles in a hot shower, Meg fetched clean clothes and supplies from the hotel. She waited patiently until the doctor declared Penny remarkably fit, then dropped her off at the hotel.

The others were already there when Penny arrived. This was the last day of the trip, and they were packing up to go. Hurry, Miss Preston, snapped the teacher. The others are almost ready. You’ve nearly caused us all to miss the plane home; we’re terribly late you know.

Yeah, Pee Pee, step on it you loser, chimed in Terry, one of the boys.

Penny bristled a bit at that, but she held her peace as she hurried to pack. Patience is a powerful weapon, my priestess, came a soft whisper from the edges of her reality. It was a long bus ride, then a plane, a hotel, another longer plane ride, another hotel, and then another bus ride home; three days all told. Through it all Penny rarely spoke.

This wasn’t so unusual, what was unusual, was her eyes. There was definitely something different about her now. The others continued to tease her as cruelly as ever, but shrank away, and could not hold her gaze when she turned those eyes of ice and fire on them.

For her part, Penny spent much of her time mulling over her encounter with Moragah. If she called she could still hear the voice of the goddess in her mind, and she did call several times, just for some reassurance. It was during the last few miles of the final bus ride that she turned her full attention to Brad Thatcher once again.

Brad was sitting with Terry near the front of the bus; Penny was near the back. As she concentrated on Brad, she was suddenly able to hear their soft voices as they spoke. As impossible as it was, she could hear them clearly.

I’m telling you, Brad, it’s foolproof. Jerry Creasy is putting up a bag of weed and two hundred bucks to the winner.

So what’s the deal again?

It’s called a dog show. Each guy brings the ugliest girl he can find to this party. You have to bring her and have sex with her there. At the end of the party the judges choose the winner. Why don’t you take Pee Pee, she’s a sure winner? Nobody is uglier than Pee Pee. You know damn well she’s got the hots for you, everybody knows that. One drink and she’ll be on her back begging you to screw her.

Yeah, but I doubt I could do it without puking. Man that girl is repulsive.

As Penny tore her gaze away the voices fell silent in her mind, and she was glad of that for she no longer wanted to hear them. Two weeks ago she would have died to hear that conversation, now she was strangely unmoved. Moragah.

I am here, my daughter.

Did you hear that?

Yes.

So tell me, why don’t I care? Is that another of your gifts?

It is. No man will ever break your heart again, Penny, I promise. Look at him now, and see him for what he truly is.

Penny returned her attention to Brad. She did not listen this time, just took a good look at him. Instead of seeing a perfect idol, she saw a teenage boy with a bad case of steroid induced acne, and an arrogant sneer on his face. She almost pitied him, and sadly turned her gaze away.

As they arrived at the school all the parents were there with banners flying to welcome them home; all but Penny’s mother. Crystal’s mom drove Penny home and dropped her off. Hearing the loud shouting voices from within the house, she sat quietly on the step, waiting for a lull in the action.

At length the voices fell silent, and Penny entered the house. Hi Mom, I’m home, she called as she shut the door behind herself. A thin woman, obviously drunk, tottered from the kitchen.

Penny, oh my god, Penny, are you home already? I thought that was next week.

April nineteenth, Mom, just like it says on the note I pinned to the fridge before I left.

Don’t get smart with me, Missy. It isn’t my fault I can’t read your writing. I have to work two jobs just to feed you, you fat little pig, that’s why I’m so tired I can’t see properly all the time. Christ, you’ve already eaten me out of house and home. God, you’re so much like your father.

Sorry, Mom, I’ll try not to be such a burden to you from now on.

"Hey, check that attitude,